The strength of any Emmaus community is a direct result of the community's recruiting practices. Emmaus is designed to spiritually renew church members who, in turn, can Christianize their environments. The church is a vital part of this renewal effort. If strong church members are recruited to attend Emmaus Walks, the Emmaus community will provide authentic spirtual renewal. Another overriding purpose of Emmaus is to Christianize environments such as home, business, friendships, and churches. As people consider the reorientation of their priorities, experience the grace of God in a loving community, are wooed by the Holy Spirit to be disciples, and participate in a supportive group following the weekend, they naturally will want to transform the most significant areas of their lives as a result of this new experience of love.

Here are several qualities to look for in prospective pilgrims. First, they are already on a pilgrimage, willing to grow and move forward in their journeys of faith. Second, persons should have a Christian orientation-no, a Christian fervor. They know God can make and has made a difference in their lives. Third, prospective pilgrims are not so consumed by other situations that they will not be able to give full attention to the message and experience of The Walk to Emmaus during the seventy-two hour experience and all the follow-up activities.